SINGAPORE: A volunteer religious group, which plays a huge role in rehabilitating Jemaah Islamiyah detainees in Singapore, has released its second religious counselling manual.

Launched on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, the second book is a culmination of the experience of the group, whose success has even attracted the attention of the US military dealing with extremists in Iraq.

According to Singapore authorities, two-thirds of terrorist detainees arrested since 2001 have been released after rehabilitation, and they have stayed out of trouble since.

Counselling by the Religious Rehabilitation Group plays a key part in that rehabilitation. Formed six years ago, the group consists of volunteer Islamic scholars and teachers who want to counter the tide of religious extremism.

Co-chairman of the Religious Rehabilitation Group, Ali Mohamed, said: "Extremists are continuously changing their trends in the hope of winning sympathies. As new issues emerge, we need to continuously engage in greater studies and research. We must assess and review our efforts in our quest for improvement."

- CNA/yt